Author: Central Desk

The lineage of the McLaren P1 hypercar readies its next chapter. A recent dispatch indicates the P1’s progeny, provisionally dubbed the P18, will grace the automotive stage by late 2024. This forthcoming marvel breaks tradition with a pioneering, lightweight plug-in hybrid mechanism anchored by a V8 engine. Expectations surge for a drivetrain poised to unleash over 1,000 horsepower, courtesy of an avant-garde V8 engine. Details on the propulsion configuration remain veiled, yet revelations confirm a significant reduction in weight—circa 70% lighter than McLaren’s extant systems. Choosing to sidestep a fully electric blueprint, McLaren asserts that embodying its quintessential agility necessitates…

AVVENIRE, a visionary EV start-up from the United States, has unveiled the TECTUS, an electric mobility scooter that promises to redefine urban and off-road transportation. Aimed primarily at senior citizens and individuals with limited mobility, the TECTUS is available in two configurations: Deluxe and Ultimate, each designed to cater to diverse user requirements and preferences. The TECTUS distinguishes itself with a climate-controlled enclosed cabin and a powerful dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, elevating both comfort and performance. Powered by a 2kW electric motor, it achieves speeds up to 32km/h. The scooter offers a choice between a 2.4kWh and a 5.4kWh lithium-ion…

Beijing’s own Li Auto has recently unveiled a marvel in the electric vehicle (EV) sphere, deemed the world’s largest EV, aptly named the ‘Mega’. This behemoth targets the expansive family market within China, aiming to dominate the densely populated automotive landscape. A Behemoth of Innovation and Luxury The Mega lives up to its name with staggering dimensions: stretching 17.5 feet in length, standing 6.44 feet wide, and 6.1 feet tall, with a wheelbase that measures an impressive 10.82 feet. This seven-seater isn’t just about size; it boasts a plush and spacious interior designed to deliver unparalleled comfort and luxury. Equipped…

BYD has launched the Dolphin Mini in Mexico, marking a pivotal moment in the global electric auto industry. Known elsewhere as the BYD Seagull, this compact, budget-friendly electric car arrives courtesy of the world’s premier plugin vehicle manufacturer, poised to significantly alter consumer perceptions about EV ownership. The Dolphin Mini’s introduction underscores a broader commitment to sustainable transportation solutions, offering a practical, eco-friendly alternative at a price point previously unseen in the electric car domain. Priced remarkably at MXN$358,800 (around $21,000), the Dolphin Mini delivers an impressive 190 miles (305 km) range per charge. An upgraded variant, the Dolphin Mini…

Kia America’s strategic unveiling at Work Truck Week, hosted at the Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, on March 6-7, 2024, marks an audacious entry into the commercial vehicle domain. This initiative underscores Kia’s allegiance to electrification and sustainable mobility, introducing two groundbreaking Platform Beyond Vehicles (PBVs), the PV5 and PV7, that promise to redefine industry standards. Steven Center, COO & EVP of Kia America, articulated the company’s ambition to lead in sustainable mobility, “Kia’s exciting foray into this important segment of the overall industry represents our steadfast commitment to the electrification of transportation and aligns perfectly with our Plan S strategy…

ZF has revealed its inaugural zero-emission factory located in Klasterec, Czech Republic, marking a significant milestone for the automotive and technology sectors. This unveil follows an intensive renovation period of nearly eighteen months, positioning the plant as a leader in sustainable manufacturing. Integral to ZF’s Electrified Powertrain Technology division, this move plays a crucial role in the company’s ambitious goal to achieve complete climate neutrality across its entire value chain by 2040. The Klasterec facility, operational since 1992 and situated approximately 100 kilometers northwest of Prague, employs nearly 700 individuals. Specializing in the production of power electronic components for electric…

Former Ford CEO Mark Fields advocates for a brief embargo on Chinese automakers entering the U.S. market due to concerns about their competitive edge fueled by government subsidies. Fields points out similarities between China’s approach in the car industry and its past strategies in aluminum and steel. He stresses the need for Western car makers, especially Detroit’s Big Three, to quickly adjust to stay competitive. This perspective gains prominence as the auto industry grapples with the economic implications of unchecked Chinese competition, including potential indirect market entries. Addressing Competitive Disparities Fields calls for a balanced competitive environment, highlighting the substantial…

Euro NCAP heralds an expansion of HORIBA MIRA’s laboratory accreditation, empowering the esteemed UK test laboratory to execute official active safety system evaluations for passenger and light commercial vehicles. This announcement underscores a strategic enhancement of vehicle safety protocols across Europe, spotlighting an evolved collaboration with HORIBA MIRA. Spanning a decade, HORIBA MIRA’s engagement with Euro NCAP primarily focused on passive safety evaluations. This partnership’s progression into active safety system assessments utilizes HORIBA MIRA’s cutting-edge ASSURED CAV facility. Equipped with diverse testing environments, this facility facilitates the simulation of real-world and virtual conditions for analyzing assisted, automated, and connected driving…

Agratas, a Tata Group enterprise, unveils plans for Britain’s largest battery manufacturing hub in Somerset, which is going to transform UK’S electric automotive future. This venture represents a multi-billion-pound commitment to the nation’s electric mobility landscape. A Nexus of Innovation & Sustainability The Gravity Smart Campus near Bridgwater will host the Agratas gigafactory, a project that transcends traditional manufacturing. Boasting a capacity of 40 GWh, this facility will become the UK’s largest battery factory. By the dawn of the 2030s, it aims to supply nearly half of the battery manufacturing capacity required by the UK automotive industry, marking a pivotal…

Italy emerges as amajor player in the automotive sphere, engaging with Tesla alongside global giants like China’s BYD. This development, spearheaded by Italy’s Business and Made Italy Minister Adolfo Urso, marks a significant stride towards augmenting foreign investment and expanding auto production. This initiative signals Italy’s intent to diversify its automotive industry, currently led by Stellantis, positioning itself as a competitive hub for automobile manufacturing within Europe. Strategic Dialogues for Expansion Discussions between Italy and Tesla, unfolding over months, underscore Italy’s commitment to enhancing its attractiveness to foreign automotive investors. This initiative comes at a crucial time as Italy seeks…